{Ixora}

On our patio we also have the exotic tropical plant Ixora and it looked so lovely on July 4th. Due to plenty of late afternoon showers, like in the tropics, it was quite happy!

A bright yellow color with touches of pink...

Far more common is the red variety which you already may know.

But look; only six weeks later but after a dry spell...

Looking all perked up after a generous 'drink' from the green hose in the back...

Without water there will be NO LIFE!
It is still very hot and dry in Georgia/USA...

{Variegated Blue Flax Lily}

On our new patio we also do have two Variegated Blue Flax Lilies. Let me show you the one that has tiny  blue flowers. They were rather tricky to photograph but I got some photos to share with you...

As mentioned above, they are rather tiny!

This gives you more an idea of the entire pot plant and the tiny flowers...

Beautiful variegated leaves, that in itself is already striking enough.

But such a lovely bloomer too; almost continuously and in winter they ought to show blue berries as well.

So pretty how they open from closed buds into a lovely blue flower...

Really fragile looking...

Looking now towards the street.

Do any of you have this Variegated Flax Lily?

{Growing Pomegranates the Ancient Persian SuperFruit}

Since August 2012, we are trying to grow our own Pomegranates, the Ancient Persian Superfood...

Close to our gazebo we did plant this pomegranate and a bit farther away a 2nd one...

Yep, the price is still visible; US $ 18.00

On May 26, I did spot this very first bloom! Already browned from the rain...

Wow, we were hoping to see the setting of the FIRST ANTIOXIDANT SUPERFRUIT!

Its blossoms got rained off the shrub; no hope for any fruits this year!

History of Pomegranate - The pomegranate is one of the world's most ancient foods and originally came from Persia...

Pomegranate Juice Is a Powerhouse of Antioxidants

Beats even Red Wine and Green Tea

It is supposed to have positive effects on diabetes...

Persian origin and does melt away belly fat...

The Basis of grenadine. Do you recall that lemonade syrup? As a child we got it served over vanilla pudding and also as a summer lemonade.

Beneficial effect on our performance between the sheets are even attributed to this super food for super Valentine

The above is being translated from Dutch, using Bing.

Hoe gezond is de granaatappel (original Dutch text, you can click it)

What Does It Take for Pomegranate Trees to Produce Fruit? Pomegranate trees are self-fruitful, with both male and female flower parts on a single tree. Insects and hummingbirds help spread pollen from flower to flower, allowing fruit to form when conditions are right.

The above link did explain it very nicely but meanwhile for 2014, we will not see any fruits...

Maybe best bet is to buy some Anardana seeds or powder... See for more info below via links.

Do any of you have their own Ancient Persian Superfood?

Related link:

Super foods: pomegranate | The Telegraph UK
Spice Hunting: Anardana, Dried Pomegranate Seeds | soaking those seeds for a couple of hours they are a great spice to use in sauces or braising liquid. Try adding them to marmelade, together with orange peel and cinnamon...

What Is Anardana? | More information from wiseGEEK
Pomegranate | Cultural history and Culinary use